Hello all, i'm really interested in locating one of these reel seats, as far as i'm aware they were taken from the domestic market in Australia and i think the US. However alot of current off the rack spinning rods feature these seats, does anyone know how i can get my hands on one?

The size i'm after was a 16 with the appropriate locking nut. I'm willing to import from anywhere and if there any builders out there that have some lying around, i'd be willing to buy it of you.

Thanks in advance
Harry Olatkiewicz

We've got them, but don't have them on our site because there hasn't been a grip, or grip adapter available for the sweep on the back of that seat. If you've got the ability to fit the seat to your grip, we've got plenty of 16's and lock nuts in stock.

Drop Julie a note (julie@@#$%&) and she can get you parts and shipping prices.

Hope that helps.

Mark Griffin
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C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

The SBS seat is standard on the Raider series of spin rods here. Unfortunately they were discontinued, but I think were re-introduced to the US. As Mark mentioned, finding the grip to suit is a nightmare. The older Fuji japan catalog had a PDF showing the template used to cut the sweep on the grip, and the dimensions, but this has been withdrawn. Stupid me downloaded the new PDF's and deleted the old ones, thinking it would be there.

The seat only accepts its own locking nut. If you can get the seat (@#$%&, Bingham Enterprises also has them listed on their website), then I suggest either trying to get in touch with Ian Miller, Shimano Australia, or maybe Matagi. I also know that Paul Kneller makes some awesome wood handles using the SBS seat. May be worth contacting him as well to see if he can help.

I will also add that the SBS 16 is actually quite narrow, best suited for smaller hands IMHO. I really liked it and was prepared at one stage to grab as many as I could for personal rods, but they were just too small. The IPS seat is still available, and the new VSS seat is also now available in sizes 16 and 17, offering a little bit bulkier grip. Plus the pre-cut handle pieces are available also. The VSS combines the best features of the IPS and SBS. Takes the KDPS hood, or standard hoods, and has a smoother curve to the grip. Very nice. You could also cannibalize American Tackle coloured hoods, which fit fairly well to the Fuji seats, to inject some colour.

Good luck,
Ted..

Gidday Mate.. I have about 4 of them. I am in Australia too.. send me an email of you want them. chris@infinity.net.au.

Cheers
Chris

Thanks guys, some pleasing information there. In terms of cutting the rear cork grip to shape does anyone have any advice in relation to the methodology. Also does anyone reccomend any links or books/videos which are quite informative on cork shaping, reaming and cutting?